Folding machine



Nov. 19, 1940. L. M. KAHN FOLDING MACHINE Original Filed March 16, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Q INVENTOR.

A TORNEYS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 N H A K M L FOLDING MACHINE Original Filed March 16, 1938 FOLDING MACHINE Original F'iled March 16, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 A TTORNEY.

Nov. 19, 1940. 1... M. KAHN FOLDING MACHINE Original Filed March 16, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS.

FOLDING MACHINE Original Filed March 16, 1938 M. KAHN 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

imwhk ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 19, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FOLDING MACHINE Application March 16, 1938, Serial No. 196,133 Renewed February 21, 1940 15 Claims.

This invention relates to machines for folding flat articles, such as laundry fiat work.

An object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character described which is adapted a to impart a predetermined number of folds, for example two folds, to flat work of any width within the limits of the machine, and to provide such a machine which is compact, efficient, and adapted for handling flat work of varying widths.

n A still further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character described provided with measuring and timing mechanism adapted to impart to flat work of any length a predetermined number of predeterminedly posilli ticned folds, and to provide such a machine adapted to fold successive pieces of flat work of different lengths and different widths in the desired manner.

Other objects of the invention are to provide, in 20 a machine of the character described, folding mechanism of a type adapted to fold articles of varying width and timing mechanism associated with said folding mechanism whereby a plurality of feed lanes may be simultaneously employed and 25 articles fed through said lanes may be suitably folded in any predetermined manner.

Still further objects of the invention are to provided a machine of the character described wherein the boundaries of the feed lanes may be 30 altered and the folding mechanism functioning with the feed lanes may be altered by the addition thereto or subtraction therefrom of folding elements in an amount and number corresponding to the changes in the width of the feed lanes 35 through the machine.

' A still further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character described with a plurality of timing mechanisms which may be operated separately to function in connection 4Q with and to control the folding of flat work as it passes through diiferentfeeding lanes in the machine, or which may be operated together or any predetermined number of which may be operated together to function as a unit in connection with alteration in the width of the feed lanes through the machine. J

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved folding mechanism in a machine of the character described.

50 Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exem- 55 plified in the construction hereinafter set forth with the timer shown in Fig. 1;

and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic, vertical, sectional view of certain essential elements in a machine of the character described; v

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view in end elevation of a portion of the machine;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view with parts broken away of a detail of the device shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a still further detail of the device shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one form of the device for linking together a predetermined 'number of folding fingers and for providing means whereby the number of linked or associated fingers may be altered;

Fig. 6 is a view in elevation with parts broken away of an alternative device for linking or joining predetermined folding fingers;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6 of a modified form of structure;

Fig. 8 is a view in end elevation, partially in section, of a device such as is shown in Figs.

Fig. 9 is a view of a still further modification of a device adapted for coupling and uncoupling adjacent folding elements;

Fig. 10 is a view in perspective of a still further modification of such a coupling device;

Fig. 11 is a view in elevation of a still further modification of a folding element coupling device;

Fig. 12 is a view, partially in section, of a mm ing element comprising a detail of the structure shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 13 is a view in end elevation of a folding element and the associated finger-moving elements shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 14 is a view of a detail of the device shown in Fig. 1 comprising cooperating folding rolls;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of another detail of the device shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 16 is a plan view of a, still further detail of the device shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 1'7 is a plan view of a detail of the fluidactuating mechanism employed in connection Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a manually operable measuring means for determining the width of the feed lanes in the device shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view with parts broken away of the feeding drum of the device shown in Fig. 1; and

Fig. 20 is a wiring diagram illustrative of a method of controlling the action of the timers and folding mechanism in a device such as is shown in Fig. 1.

The improvements of the present invention are adapted for use primarily with machines comprising a frame supporting cooperating feed ribbons, feed rolls and plattens, for passing an article of flat work, such for example as a sheet, towel or the like, through the machine at a predetermined speed. Such a machine is shown generally in my Patents No. 1,519,733, dated December 16, 1924 and No. 2,011,934, dated August 20, 1935, and in the patent to Johnson, No. 2,034,040, dated March 17, 1936. It may comprise measuring, timing, and folding devices cooperating with the feed ribbons and rolls in such a way that the length and Width of the article to be folded are measured as it enters the folding machine, and thereafter the article is folded any predetermined number of times, for example twice, and in any desired manner, i. e., the article may be folded at its center in a half fold, or it may be folded in a third fold and again re-folded so that it leaves the machine folded in quarter or third folds, or in any other predetermined and desired manner.

This invention contemplates generally the redesign of machines of the type disclosed in the prior patents to effect a saving of space and to provide a more suitable arrangement of the timing apparatus, and a reconstruction and improvement of the folding, timing and measuring apparatus to provide a plurality of feeding lanes through the machine and to permit variation in the width of those lanes with corresponding adjustments in the cooperative relationship of measuring and folding mechanism, so that articles of different widths and lengths may be simultaneously or successively handled by the machine.

Furthermore, the present invention contemplates the provision of mechanical, electric or pneumatic mechanism for accomplishing the desired action of the folding mechanism and timing device, and the provision of a variety of methods and means for effecting the desired control of the feed lane widths with the corresponding alterations in the cooperative action of the folding, timing and measuring means.

In Fig. 1 there is shown diagrammatically a folding machine embodying certain features of the present invention. Flat work to be folded may be introduced into the machine from the ironer as at I0 and may be fed initially between the tapes I2, I4 about the drum IS in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawings. The drum, as shown, may be placed beneath and behind the outlet from the ironer. Feeding the work in the manner shown, i. e., back around the drum and then in one direction and again in another direction past the first folding mechanism l8 until the work or a portion thereof lies upon the pan 20, makes possible a compact spacesaving form of folding mechanism which is greatly to be desired.

If the work passes through the device without being folded it will be delivered from the pan 20 to the travelling tapes 22 moving beneath the tape-carrying roll 23 in the direction indicated by the arrow and thence to the delivery table 24, which, as shown, may be pivoted as at 26 so as to be raised and lowered at the option of the operator.

If the work is to be folded the folding mechanism shown generally as at I8 is caused to pivot forwardly through suitable openings in the pan 20 so as to strike the under surface of the work and carry a fold thereof between the rolls 28, which are rotating in the direction shown by the arrows. The work is thus carried through these rolls and folded in a manner hereinafter to be described, as for example at the central portion of the work or at a distance spaced one-third of the distance from the front to the rear edge of the work, or at any other desired point.

The folded work is delivered after passing through the rolls 28 to the pan 30 shown in detail in Fig. 16. This pan may be pivoted as at 32 and caused to press lightly against the tapes 34 by the action of the spring 36. Tapes 34 may preferably travel in the direction indicated by the arrow and the pressure between the tapes and the work on the pan may be such as to insure proper operation of the lane-width control mechanism as hereafter described, and to suitably hold any small article released from rolls 28 at high speed.

If the work is not to be given a second fold it may pass directly from the pan 3!] to the tapes 22 and from thence to the delivery table 24. If the work is to be given a second fold, the fold may be effected by folding mechanism shown generally as at 38 and illustrated in detail in Fig. 12. This mechanism, which may comprise as hereinafter indicated a plurality of folding fingers, may force the work between the rolls 40, which are shown in detail in Fig. 14, and a second fold thus eflected at any desired place in the work, as for example at the center of the folded work or near one edge thereof. The work twice folded is then delivered to the pan 42 from whence it passes to the tape 22 and the delivery table 24.

The work-receiving pans, for example the pan 30, may, as is illustrated in Fig. 16, comprise a plurality of separated sections spaced so as to permit the folding fingers 38 to pass between the sections and act upon work resting upon the pan.

Where a pivoted pan, such as that shown at 30, is employed. held normally under spring tension against a cooperating moving feed tape, it may be desirable at the moment of effecting the fold to retract the pan from contact with the tape so as to facilitate the folding operation. To this end, as shown in Fig. 1, the pan 30 may be affixed through the cable 44 to the arm 46 of the pivoted folding element 38 and, as the element 38 moves upward to effect the fold, tension upon the cable 44 through the arm 46 will pull the pan 30 away from engagement with the tape 34, thus momentarily releasing the work from the feeding action of the tape. After the work has been introduced between the rolls 48 and the fold effected, the work will continue to be fed between these rolls, even should the pan 30 return to its light pressing engagement against the tape 34.

It has occasionally happened in devices of the general type here under discussion that the folding fingers have caught between the folding rolls. In order to avoid such a happening, one of the rolls 40, preferably that roll about which tape does not pass, is provided with a plurality of extensions which may take the form of rubber rings 48 shown clearly in Fig. 14. The tips of the folding fingers 38 are adapted to pass between the rolls 40 intermediate the rings 48, which in turn exert a frictional feeding action upon the folded work. This type of structure may, if desired, be employed wherever a fold is effected in the machine.

In connection with the folding fingers as embetween the folding rolls 40, and the work thus becomes unfolded at the first fold and may become wrinkled and the operation of the device thus renedered ineffective. To, prevent this, the folding fingers 38 may be provided with a supplemental work-engaging element 52, preferably mounted as shown in Fig. 12 in connection with the spring 54. As the folding finger 38 moves into the position shown in solid lines in Fig. 12, i. e., into folding position, the element 52 engages the short, underfolded portion of the work 50 and insures that it will be carried between the rolls 40 and a proper fold effected. The resilient mounting of the element 52 insures that the folded work will be kept in proper position adjacent the rolls 40 even after the folding finger begins to withdraw, as well as during the peiiod immediately preceding the end of the forward folding movement of the folding finger 38. The cam controlling the motion of the folding fingers may, if desired, be so designed as to leave the fingers in folding position for a predetermined period. In this manner the proper folding of the work at the second fold is insured.

As shown in Fig. 12, the folding fingers may, if desired, be equipped with suitable counterweights 56 to insure a return to their idle, inoperative positions.

The feeding drum i6 may, if desired, be formed in the manner shown in Fig. 19 in sections so designed that the measuring fingers 58 associated with the timing device hereinafter to be described may extend past the outer surface of the drum and thus insure contact with the work fed between the tapes l2 and I4.

lhe folding machine may be provided with a plurality of timing devices 60 adapted to control the operation of the folding means It and 38 so as to effect the desired folds. These devices may, as shown in Fig. 1, be positioned intermediate the folding mechanism and the driving drum iii, or they may be positioned in any predetermined manner, preferably, however, within the general framework of the machine and directly in line with the corresponding feed lane, to insure a compact, efficient device. Preferably, one timing device is provided for each of the predetermined number of feed lanes through the machine and, generally speaking, there may be a plurality of such lanes, for example three or more, in a machine having an over-all effective operating width of 120 inches. In the device shown in the drawings, three feeding lanes are illustrated, and the measuring fingers 58 for these lanes are shown diagrammatically in Fig. 20.

One object of the invention is to provide means for utilizing each of the lanes separately or any predetermined combination of lanes together, so that the machine may be adapted simultaneously for operation on three separate feeding lanes or on two lanes of different width, or on one lane of the full machine width.

It is a further object of the invention to provide means for varying the width of the lanes, so that the operation of the machine is not restricted to flat work of any predetermined width or widths, but the machine on the contrary is adapted to handle work of any predetermined width up to the full width of the machine. The variation in the width of the feeding lanes is accomplished by controlling the number of folding fingers at each fold adapted to function together as aunit. For example, if the folding fingers adapted to act as a unit are linked together over a width of 60 inches, and over an adjacent width of 20 inches, and over another adjacent width of 40 inches, the three feeding lanes will beof corresponding widths, i. e., 60, 20 and 40 inches. If a predetermined number of the folding fingers of the first lane are then detached from the remaining fingers of that lane and linked to the fingers of the intermediate lane, the widths of the lanes may be altered to 40 inches each. Devices for effecting such an alteration in feed lane width will be hereinafter described.

The timers or measuring devices actuating the folding mechanism and intended for use with each feed lane may take the form of the corresponding devices shown and described in the Johnson Patent No. 2,034,040, and will not be described here in detail. Speaking generally, these devices are adapted to actuate the folding mechanism associated with the feed lane controlled by the timer so that the article of flat work traversing the machine is suitably folded. The articles traverse the machine at uniform speed. The length of each article in each feed lane may be measured and the timers adapted to control the folding mechanism in ways known to the art.

One form of folding mechanism actuating means is shown somewhat diagrammatically in Fig. 2. Here five groups of folding fingers, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 10, are shown. Each group comprises a predetermined number of folding fingers linked together to act in unison. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 2, groups 62 and 68 may be understood as having a folding width each of 30 inches, groups 64 and 66 may be understood as having a folding width each of 10 inches, and group ill may be understood as having a folding width of 40 inches.

Each group is actuated by the motion of a master finger 12. These fingers are mounted for rotation about the shaft 14 and are actuated by suitable cam mechanism shown generally in each instance as at 16 which may be associated in each case with the suitable timer.

It will be apparent that if the group of fingers 66 is coupled with the fingers G8, and the group of fingers 64 is coupled with the fingers 52, three feed lanes each 40 inches in width will be provided. If the two groups 64 and 66 are coupled with the group 62, three feed lanes will be provided, the left-hand lane being 50 inches in width, the intermediate lane 30 inches in width, and the right-hand lane 40 inches in width. So also the width of the intermediate lane may be varied by coupling it with both the groups 64 and 6E.

Coupling and uncoupling means are shown generally as at 18, and in greater detailin'Fig. 3. These means may comprise a pivoted L shaped member 80 mounted as at 82 to be swung into and out of engagement with a cooperating groove or notch 84 in each of the associated elements 1?. The element 80 may be held in locking engagement by the spring 86; and may be raised and pulled from looking engagement by moving the wire or rod 88 in such a way as to cause the element to rotate on the pivot 82 and to be raised from engagement with the notch or depression 84.

It will be understood that separate rods 88 may be provided for each of the elements 18 whereby any one or more of them may be raised, thus uncoupling adjacent master fingers I2.

Similar coupling devices may be provided with rods 92 adapted for use in connection with the coupling together of two or more of the main feed lanes in the machine. Thus for coupling all feed lanes together, all of the groups of folding fingers may be coupled together to act from one timing device and the other timers may be disconnected, or two of the groups, for example the groups 68 and I0, may be coupled together to act from one timer, or all of the timers may be left in circuit and all of the groups may be coupled together. With an arrangement such as is shown in Fig. 2, any combination of coupled main feed lanes may be secured and the widths of two of the feed lanes may be altered and modified to suit the widths of work passing through the machine.

In Fig. 4 there is shown a detail of means for operating the coupling elements 90 of Fig. 2. There may be, as here shown, a shaft 94 mounted at the side of the machine having arms 96 adapted to engage the rods 92 affixed to the coupling elements 90. These rods may be hooked to the elements 96 so that they may be readily disengaged, as shown for example in the dotted lines. Rotation of the shaft 94 causes a tension to be exerted on the rods 92 which is transmitted to the pivoted elements 90 so that they may be moved into and out of coupling engagement.

It will be understood that the spring 86 may act either under compression or tension, i. e., it may act either to hold the coupling elements in coupled or uncoupled position, and the rods 92 and 88 may be effective either to force the elements into coupled position or to rotate them from that position to uncoupled position.

It will be apparent that the number of folding fingers permanently coupled together to form a group, as shown in Fig. 2, may be widely varied and the fingers may in fact be separately mounted for independent motion, and devices may be employed to couple together any predetermined number of folding fingers to form feed lanes through the machine of any desired width. Such devices are deemed to be within the scope of this invention, and other modifications are illustrated to accomplish such a desired result.

In Fig. 6, for example, the folding fingers are shown as at I00 and adjacent fingers are coupled together in the manner shown generally in Fig. 3 and heretofore described by suitable coupling elements I02 actuated by rods I04. A master driving element is shown generally at I06 and comprises a suitable cam I08 and a cooperating roller element IIO adapted to pivot the folding finger I00 associated therewith and all fingers in coupled engagement with that folding finger.

In Fig. '7 the same type of coupling arrangement is shown with different means for effecting a disengagement or uncoupling between adjacent folding fingers. In this form of the device an element I I2 is provided mounted for motion upon a shaft I I4 across the width of the machine. The element II2 may be provided with roller means I I0 adapted to engage extending arms I I8 on the elements I02, so as to raise those elements from coupled engagement as the roller passes beneath the arm. There may, as is shown in Fig. 7, be a plurality of these elements H2, and they may be moved along the shaft II4 so as to break the coupled engagement between adjacent folding fingers at predetermined points. As the element II2 passes by, the coupling elements I02, may be returned to coupling engagement by coil springs I03, as shown in Fig. 8. Where the machine is a three-feed lane machine, there will be two such elements H2 and their positions on the shaft II4 may be controlled in any desired manner. For example, as shown in Fig. 18, they may be manually positioned by the operator at the front of the machine to divide the machine into three lanes of predetermined width by suitably positioning the handles I20, which may be wired to the elements H2 in such a manner as shown that the position of each handle determines the corresponding position of the uncoupling element II2 associated therewith. Thus, the operator, as she sees the change in width of the article to be folded, can rapidly adjust the width of the lanes from her position either at the delivery or feed end of the machine.

It will be obvious that many methods may be employed for moving the elements H2 or similar elements so as to effect the desired coupling and uncoupling of adjacent folding elements. In every case it is to be understood that with each group of coupled folding elements there will be provided at least one master element operatively connected to a timer and to actuating mechanism.

The shaft II4 may, as is shownin Fig. 8, be square, and if it is desired to leave all of the folding fingers in coupled relation across the entire width of the machine, where this Width is desired for an extended period, the shaft may be rotated in a clockwise direction, as shown in Fig. 8, thus carrying the rollers II6 out of any possible engagement with the arms II 8. Under these circumstances, lateral motion of the elements II2 will be ineffective to uncouple any of the engaged folding fingers. Otherwise, the entire width of the machine may be employed as a unit by moving the elements II2 into positions intermediate adjacent folding fingers and out of contact with the arms I I0.

Other means for coupling and uncoupling adjacent fingers may be employed. One modification is shown in Fig. 11. Here the coupling fingers.

I00 are provided with pivotally mounted latches I22 adapted to be raised by cam-carrying elements I24 so that adjacent fingers may be coupled or uncoupled at will. The latches are preferably so designed as to have a section I26 which is adapted to pivot from a horizontal to a raised position, and another section I28 adapted to pivot in either direction from a horizontal position, so

that the elements I24 may be moved laterally across the machine without being blocked in their motion by the latch elements I28. The positioning of the elements I24 will determine the width of the feed lanes through the machine by breaking the coupling engagement between predetermined adjacent fingers.

In the form shown in Figs. 11 and 13, the folding impulse from the timers may be imparted to the folding fingers through the cams I30 and the pivotally mounted arms I32. These arms may be provided with laterally extending elements I34 of widths adapted to divide the machine into a predetermined number, for example three, of feed lanes.' The elements I24 are adapted for lateral displacement so as to divide the folding fingers into groups of predetermined widths which may not coincide with the widths of the elements I34. If desired, supplemental fingermoving means I 36 may be provided laterally movable along the shaft I38 and adapted, as shown in Fig. 13, to bear directly against a folding finger. It will be apparent that by moving the elements I36 and I24 as desired, a positive folding action may be imparted from each timer to its associated group of folding fingers, even though the groups of fingers be of varying width. In this form of device, if the operator feeds in work on a line with an element I26, and this edge is fixed, then the width of the feed lane associated therewith may be altered by controlling the position of an element I24 at the other edge of the lane.

Automatic means may be provided for grouping coupled folding fingers, and these means may be responsive to varying widths of articles transmitted through the machine. For example, as the piece of fiat work is fed over the roll immediately preceding the pan element I8, it may be caused to frictionally engage freely rotatable extensions mounted upon the roll and between adjacent feeding tapes. These are shown somewhat diagrammatically in Fig. 15, as at I40. These extensions or protuberances may be provided with rods or wires I42 connected to fold-finger coupling mechanisms of the type heretofore described, or, as shown in Fig. 9, to similar mechanisms of a slightly modified type. As the sheet or other piece of flat work passes over these extensions it causes them to rotate in the direction of travel of the piece of work because of frictional engagement therewith, and this rotation effects a displacement of the rod elements I42, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 15. This displacement may be utilized in connection with coupling mechanism of the type heretofore described or of the type shown in Fig. 9 to cause the folding fingers corresponding to the width of the piece of work to be coupled together so that as the work passes by the folding elements I8 only so much of the folding fingers as corresponds to the width of the work will be actuated as a unit.

In the form of the device shown in Fig. 9, the coupling elements I44 are normally held in disengaged and uncoupled position through the action of the spring elements I46. With the rotation of the extensions I40 the displacement of the rod elements I42 acts against the spring means I46 to rotate the coupling elements I44 about the pivots I48 into coupling engagement, so that adjacent folding fingers are coupled together to act as a unit.

It will be understood that the frictional type of control here described in connection with the elements I 40 may be exceedingly accurate in connection with other phases of the operation of the device. It may for example be employed in connection with a measurement of the length of the article passing along the feed lane. It may be desirable under certain circumstances to provide idler rolls adapted to press the sheet or other article of fiat work firmly against the elements to be rotated. Usually, however, such supplemental means are not necessary.

So also there may be provided, in connection with the second folding mechanism, a plurality of fingers I50 which may be depressed or pivoted by the passage of the work and thus control the coupling or uncoupling of adjacent folding fingers effective in forming the second fold.

Other forms of coupling and uncoupling mechanism for use in connection with the folding fingers may be employed. For example, a device such as is shown in Fig. 5 may be used. There the folding fingers I60 may be so shaped as to be provided with slots or grooves I62 adjacent their base. Metal locking strips I64 may be provided with means, for example wires I66, associated therewith to move the strips through the slots I62, thus linking together any predetermined number of folding fingers I60. The strips I64 may be adapted to be wound upon spools at the sides of the machine, and if a plurality of such strips are provided, as shown in Fig. 5, any desired combination of folding fingers acting as a unit may be obtained.

In Fig. a still further modification of a coupling device is illustrated. In this modification the folding fingers I10 may be separately mounted for independent rotation about the shaft I12. A predetermined key finger may be provided with an extension I14 adapted to cooperate with suitable actuating mechanism to move the finger into and out of folding position. Associated with this finger there may be a plurality of pivotally mounted extensions I16, I18. These extensions may be adapted to pivot like the blades of a fan, and means, such as the wires or rods I80, may be provided to control, in cooperation with the spring means I62, the position of each of the pivotally mounted elements. The coil springs I62 may, for example, be adapted to maintain these elements in vertical position. One such spring may be provided for each pivotally mounted element. Tension on the rods I60 may be employed to move the element out of vertical position so that it will engage suitable extensions I84, I86, which may be the full length of adjacent fingers, so that as the masterfinger associated with the extension I14 is moved into folding position the adjacent fingers will also be carried into folding position by the action of the arms I16, I18. Each of the fingers may be provided with any suitable means, such for example 'as counterweights or coil springs, to bring them back to inoperative position.

It will be apparent that with a device of the character described associated with each of the timing elements, the number of folding fingers adapted to respond to the impulse of each timer may be controlled and the width of each feed lane within the machine thus controlled.

In Fig. 1 there is shown diagrammatically pneumatic means for controlling the motion of the first set of folding fingers I6 and mechanical means for controlling the motion of the second set of folding fingers 38. In Fig. 20 an electrical circuit is shown for controlling the motion of the folding fingers electrically. It is to be understood that any of these methods may be employed with any group of folding fingers.

With reference to Fig. 1, there is shown pneumatic means for actuating the timing mechanism in the timer 60. This means may take generally the form shown and may comprise an air inlet conduit 200, valve control means 202, a cylinder ,2 04 having a piston the motion of which may be controlled by the co-action of a spring for example the spring 206 in Fig. 17, and air pressure within the cylinder. The timer-actuating shafts are shown generally as at 208, and there may be a plurality of these shafts to control the timing mechanism. They may be actuated by the toggle arrangement shown generally at M0. The co-action of the spring 206 and the air pressure within the chamber 204 may control the pivoting of the arm 2l2 about the pivot 214, thus controlling the timer-actuating mechanism. The spring 206 may be adapted to impart a sudden motion to the rod 2|2 with the release of air-pressure within the cylinder, as for example to register instantaneously the front edge of a rapidly moving article through the device.

Pneumatic means shown generally in Fig. 1 and comprising the feed line 220, the valve 222, the feed line 224, and the spring-air controlled piston 226, may actuate the folding mechanism shown generally at I8. This may be accomplished by rotation of the cam element 228. Motion of the piston 226 may cause a pivoting of the element 230 and a corresponding release of the cam latch 232. The valve 222 may be actuated by the element 234 within the timer 60.

The second folding mechanism 38 is shown in Fig. 1 as mechanically actuated. When the element 240 within the timer 60 comes into contact with the pivoted arm 242, the L-shaped pivoted arm 244 is swung upward through the motion of the shaft 246 and contacts the arm 248, thus releasing the cam latch associated with the cam 250, which in turn rotates to move the folding fingers into operative folding position. The contact between the end of the arm 244 and the arm 248 may be made as shown through roller means in the event that any work should happen to be resting upon the tapes 22 at the moment of contact.

While the finger-actuating means have been shown diagrammatically and have been but briefly described, it is believed that the description will be adequate to enable one skilled in the art to employ either the pneumatic system or the mechanical system illustrated. Either can be used directly opposite the folding section when a plurality of timers is used.

An electric wiring diagram is shown in Fig. 20 for controlling the folds in each of the three feed lanes of a machine of the type here disclosed The timer-actuating and work-measuring fingers for each lane are shown as at 58. The folding mechanism for the first fold in each lane is shown as at 280, 262, and 264, and the folding mechanism at the second fold for each lane is shown as at 210, 212, and 214. The electrical controls within the timer for each lane are shown generally as at 280, 282 and 284. Three switches shown generally as at 290, 292 and 294 are provided to control the cooperation of the various circuits shown. In the drawings these switches areall shown in open position, i. e., no timer is in circuit, and if an article were fed through the device no fold would be effected.

If it is desired to have one timer operate to fold, and if that timer is the timer controlling the folding mechanisms 260, 210, then switch 290 will be thrown to lower position, thus closing the circuit comprising the timer 280 and its associated actuating finger 58. When the finger 58 in this circuit is depressed by the work and again released by it, it actuates the timer mechanism 280 and the folding fingers 269 and 210. If it is desired to have the timer 280 also control the folding fingers 212 and 262, then the switch 290 is moved to upper position, i. e., that shown in the drawings, thus making the control mechanism of the fingers 212, 262 in circuit with the fingers 210, 260, and the switch 294 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, thus closing a circuit between the contacts 300 and 302. The mer 33 may be placed in operative relation with the circuit by rotating the switch 294 in a clockwise direction until the contacts 304, 306 are in circuit. The timer 284 may be put in circuit by moving the switch 292 to lower position. Various combinations of timer control and folding finger motion may be obtained by combinations of various positions of the switch elements 290, 292, and 294, as will be apparent from the wiring diagram. With suchacircuit it is possible to have each timer acting independently to control its associated folding mechanism or to have one timer acting to control a plurality of sets of folding mechanism in different feed lanes, or to have a plurality of timers working together to control a plurality of folding elements in a plurality of feed lanes. In fact any desired combination of timer control and folding elements may be obtained and is to be deemed within the scope of the invention.

It is to be understood that such a system may be employed in connection with devices such as have heretofore been described to alter the number of folding elements in each feed lane, so-

that the widths of the feed lanes may be varied and the control of the folding elements therein varied at the will of the operator of the machine. However, it is to be understood that the form of control shown in Fig. 20 is more useful generally with work where the width of successive pieces does not rapidly change than with a succession of articles of varying widths.

Since certain changes may be made in the above construction and different embodiments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a folding machine for flat work, in combination, means for feeding work through the machine, means for measuring work as it is fed through the machine, and means for folding the work, said folding means comprising a plurality of separately mounted folding elements, coupling means associated therewith for mechanically linking predetermined ones of said plurality to provide a predetermined number of groups of linked folding elements extending across the direction of travel of work through said machine, means for predeterminedly uncoupling certain of said folding elements from certain of said groups, and means for mechanically coupling said elements with others of said groups whereby the widths of said groups may be predeterminedly altered.

2. In a folding machine for flat work, in combination, means for feeding work through the machine, means for measuring work as it is fed through the machine, and means for folding the provide a predetermined number of groups of v linked folding elements extending across said machine, a master actuating element for each 01 S id groups to cause the elements thereof to lid flit

lift

flit

ltill efiect a predetermined fold, a plurality of timer mechanisms, at least one of said mechanisms being operatively connected to each of said actuating elements, and means to alter predeterminedly the number of folding elements forming each group.

3. In a folding machine for flat work, in combination, means for feeding work through the machine, means for measuring work as it is fed through the machine, and means for folding the work, said folding means comprising a plurality of separately mounted folding elements, pivoted latches associated therewith for mechanically linking predetermined ones of said plurality to provide a predetermined number of groups of linked folding elements extending across said machine, and means movable laterally across said machine for lifting predetermined ones of said latches whereby certain of said adjacent elements may be uncoupled and the numbers of elements forming said groups altered.

l. In a folding machine for flat work, in combination, means for feeding work through the machine, means for measuring work as it is fed through the machine, and means for folding the work, said folding means comprising a plurality of separately mounted folding elements, latch means associated therewith for mechanically linking predetermined ones of said plurality to provide a predetermined number of groups of linked folding elements extending across said machine, means operative to hold said latch means in open position, and means automatically responsive to the width of work traversing said machine for moving certain of said latches into linking position whereby a number of folding elements corresponding in width to the width of said work are linked together.

5. In a folding machine for flat work, in combination, means for feeding work through the machine, means for measuring work as it is fed through the machine, and means for folding the work, said folding means comprising a plurality of separately mounted foiding elements, coupling means associated therewith for mechanically linking and unlinking predetermined ones of said plurality to provide. a predetermined number of groups of linked folding elements, each group being of a predetermined width, said groups being independently operative to effect a fold, said coupling and uncoupling means being manually adjustable from an end of said machine whereby the widths of said groups may be altered at will.

6. In a folding machine for fiat work, in combination, means for feeding work through the machine, means for measuring work as it is fed through the machine, and means for folding the work, said folding means comprising a plurality of separately mounted folding elements, coupling means associated therewith for mechanicallylinking and unlinking predetermined ones of said plurality to provide a prdetermined number of groups of linked folding elements, each group being of a predetermined width, said groups being independently operative to effect a fold, said coupling and uncoupling means being automatically responsive to the width of an article traversing said machine whereby the group of linked folding elements underlying said article is caused to conform in width to the width of said article.

7. A folding machine of the character described adapted to impart a predetermined number of folds to an article traversing said machine and comprising a plurality of feed lanes,

the width of each of said lanes being controlled by the number of mechanically joined folding fingers in said lane operating as a folding unit, a plurality of independently mounted folding fingers being positioned to effect each of said folds, means to predeterminedly alter the number of folding fingers linked together to define a feed lane whereby the width of each of said lanes may be altered, a plurality of timing mechanisms, one being associated with each of said lanes, and means for mechanically coupling said timers to the folding fingers associated with at least one of said lines of fold.

8. In a device of the character described, a folding element comprising a movable arm, and a second work-engaging element resiliently mounted on said arm and positioned to remain in engagement with work folded by the movement of said arm during movement thereof into folding position and during a predetermined retraction of said arm from said position.

9. In a device of the character described, a folding element comprising a movable arm, and a second work-engaging element resiliently mounted on said arm and positioned to remain in engagement with work folded by the movement of said arm during movement thereof into folding position and during a predetermined retraction of said arm from said position, said second element being mounted to pivot about the tip of said arm.

10. A folding machine comprising a plurality of feed lanes, means for conveying foldable articles in said lanes, means for altering the widths of said lanes, means comprising a plurality of separately mounted folding elements for folding the articles in each lane, coupling means associated therewith for mechanically linking and unlinking predetermined ones of said plurality, and a timer and measuring device in each lane for controlling said folding means to effect predetermined desired folds in said article.

11. A folding machine comprising a plurality of feed lanes, means for conveying foldable articles in said lanes, means for altering the widths of said lanes, means for folding the articles in each lane, a timer and measuring device in each lane for controlling said folding means to effect predetermined desired folds in said article, and means for operatively linking the folding mechanism of a predetermined number of lanes to any selected timer and measuring device.

12. A folding machine comprising a plurality of feed lanes, means for conveying foldable articles in said lanes, means for altering the widths of said lanes, means for folding the articles in each lane, and a timer and measuring device in each lane for controlling said folding means to effect predetermined desired folds in said article, said timers and measuring devices being positioned directly in line with said lanes and be ing directly connected mechanically to an element for actuating said folding means.

13. In a folding machine of the character described, work-feeding means, folding means providing a plurality of feed lanes, said folding means comprising a plurality of folding fingers, means to couple together for action as a unit predetermined different ones of said fingers, master actuating means to control the folding action of each unit, and a timer connected with each master actuating means.

14. In a folding machine of the character described, work-feeding means, folding means providing a plurality of feed lanes, said folding means comprising a plurality of folding fingers, means to couple together for action as a unit predetermined difierent ones of said fingers, master actuating means to control the folding action of each unit, and a timer connected with each master actuating means, said actuating means being laterally movable across said machine to conform to differences in feed lane widths.

15. In a folding machine, in combination, means for conveying a foldable article through said machine, means to impart a predetermined told to said article, said means comprising a plurality of folding elements, and means selectively to couple together predetermined ones of said plurality to provide a plurality of separate feed lanes through said machine, and means operative by frictional engagement with said article as it traverses said machine to so adjust said coupling means as to cause at least one of said feed lanes to conform in width substantially to the width of said article.

7 LEO M. KAHN. 

